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You renew your BAIID Installer Certificate by mailing another BAIID Installer application to the Administrative Hearings Section to the address listed on the form. The same prerequisites for the original certificate exist for the renewal of the certificate. Apply 30 days before the expiration of the certificate to ensure timely processing.

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It is possible but unlikely unless your BAIID Installer Certificate and your Mechanic Certificate were issued on the same day. Each certificate expires annually on the anniversary of issuance.

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Yes. The Installer Certificate will be maintained in the mechanic record and the same number will be used.

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You must first hold a mechanic certificate with a BAIID specialty before applying for a BAIID Installer Certificate. The BAIID Installer Certificate is issued by the Administrative Hearing Section. Please contact the Administrative Hearings Section for the BAIID Installer Certificate Application.

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No. You must obtain a BAIID Installer certificate in addition to the mechanic certification. Additional approval criteria is outlined below.

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You can register as you would for any other mechanic test through My License. The exam will be available at any Secretary of State Branch office after June 14, 2016. The My License Mechanic Test Registration webpage is located at the following link:

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You must pass the BAIID mechanic test. If you already hold a mechanic certificate and wish to add the BAIID specialty, you must pass the BAIID certification exam. A new certificate will arrive in the mail following successful completion of the exam in 10 to 15 business days with the BAIID specialty added. If you do not currently hold a mechanic certificate you must complete an AR-0018 (Mechanic Certificate Application) after passing the BAIID test. The application is available at the following web site:

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Changes to the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act, and the Michigan Vehicle Code require all technicians installing BAIIDs after July 1, 2016, to have a mechanic certificate with a BAIID specialty and obtain a BAIID Installer Certificate.

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If you did not find the information you need, enter a descriptive word or phrase in the Search field located in the upper right corner or send us an e-mail and we will help you get the information you need.

If you did not find the information you need, enter a descriptive word or phrase in the Search field located in the upper right corner or send us an e-mail and we will help you get the information you need.

No, the mechanic holding an unexpired auto electrical systems specialty must inform the Business Licensing Section that he/she would like the BAIID specialty added. The Business Licensing Section can be contacted at licensing@michigan.gov or 888-767-6424.

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No. There are prerequisites that must be met. The applicant must have a mechanic certificate with a BAIID specialty, be at least 18 years of age, be properly trained by the BAIID manufacturer, have not been convicted of an alcohol-related driving offense or any offense classified as a felony for the previous 5 years, and possess a valid driver license.

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No. Any unexpired, certified mechanic that holds an Auto Electrical Systems specialty prior to June 6, 2016, will not have to take the BAIID test in order to obtain the specialty on his/her certificate. The mechanic would need to inform the Business Licensing Section in writing that he/she would like the specialty added to his/her certificate.

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No. The BAIID category is not necessary to obtain Master Mechanic status.

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Please contact the Business Licensing Section at licensing@michigan.gov or 888-767-6424, and request a duplicate certificate.

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No. ASE certification alone does NOT qualify you as a state certified mechanic in Michigan. However, you may be eligible to apply for state certification and transfer certain ASE categories to the application in lieu of taking state certification tests. Refer to the ASE to State of Michigan Conversion Table or contact the Business Licensing Section at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) for further information.

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Yes. When bench work (the rebuilding, reconditioning, machining, or assembling of parts or components from a motor vehicle) is performed by a technician at a registered repair facility, the technician must be certified as a mechanic in the proper repair category. This work involves a diagnostic process that is directly related to the shop's regulated activities. The only time a bench mechanic need not be certified is when the employer is not required to be a registered motor vehicle repair facility. For example, in a parts store that does not operate a motor vehicle repair facility (does not diagnose vehicles and does not remove or install parts), the technician turning brake rotors or rebuilding engines need not be certified.

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You must be certified as a mechanic in Michigan if you repair motor vehicles for compensation, including the reconditioning, replacement, diagnosis, adjustment or alteration of the operating condition of the vehicle, or any component or sub-assembly in any category of major repair. If you perform major repairs and are not certified, you must get a mechanic trainee permit for those repair categories in which you work.

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You must first pass a test for each repair category in which you want certification. Until you have passed the appropriate tests, you cannot apply for certification. A certification application will be included with the results letter if you successfully pass your test. Complete the application and return it with the $25 application fee to the Michigan Department of State, Business Licensing Section, Lansing, Michigan 48918.

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If you did not find the information you need, enter a descriptive word or phrase in the Search field located in the upper right corner or send us an e-mail and we will help you get the information you need.

If you have not received your test results or have lost them, contact the Customer Support Section at

1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424). Secretary of State Branch offices do not have specific information concerning your test results.

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The mechanic tests contain multiple-choice questions and are intended to measure the minimum competencies necessary to work in a particular area of study. Your ability to pass a test depends on the amount of knowledge you have covering a specific area, and how you interpret the test items. No reference materials or electronic devices may be used during testing.

Most tests have 55 questions. A few of the tests range between 65 and 100 questions.

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You will be notified of your pass/fail status on the kiosk screen when you complete the test. A detailed test result letter will be mailed within seven days of completing your test.

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Yes. You will need to bring a printed copy of your mechanic payment receipt containing your test ID number and a driver's license or state identification card containing your photograph to the mechanic testing location. No other form of ID will be accepted.

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Motor vehicle mechanic tests are available at Secretary of State offices throughout the state. To obtain branch office location information (address or business hours), visit the Michigan Department of State Branch Office Locator. You will be required to pre-register prior to taking a test. There is a $6 fee for each test. Tests are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tests are not available within one hour of closing.

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The mechanic trainee permit makes it possible for the non-certified mechanic to work at a repair facility. A mechanic trainee employed by a repair facility must work under the direct supervision of a certified specialty or master mechanic.

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State mechanic tests are offered electronically at a kiosk with a touch screen. PRE-REGISTRATION FOR ALL MECHANICS TESTS IS REQUIRED!

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Testing now available at all Secretary of State offices with registration.

Secure 24/7 online registration in the privacy of your own home for faster service.

Update your home address (for mechanic records only).

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Yes. You have 60 days from the receipt date to complete your test. After 60 days, the test will expire and refunds will not be provided. Re-registration will be required at an additional fee of $6 per test.

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To register you will first need to create your account which includes: your name, address, birth date and Social Security number. You will also be required to create a user ID and password.

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Yes. You must pre-register before taking any mechanics tests in Michigan. There are no exceptions; whether you are a mechanic or a trainee, are currently licensed, have previously tested or have an expired certificate. Register for your test by creating an account if you are new, or accessing your existing account online through the Mechanic Test Registration System. The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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You must complete an Application for Motor Vehicle Mechanic Trainee Permit. Application are available at the Department of State Web site at: Mechanic Trainee Permit or by contacting the Customer Support Section at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424). The completed application must be returned with the $20.00 application fee. No fee is required if you are a state-certified mechanic with an unexpired certificate.

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The mechanic trainee categories are the same as those for mechanic certification. You may obtain a trainee permit in any number of categories of repair, but cannot remain a mechanic trainee in any single repair category for more than two years. Once expired, trainee permits may not be reissued.

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To renew by mail, return your completed renewal application form and check or money order to:

Michigan Department of State
Business Licensing Section
Lansing, Michigan 48918

Please note: You cannot renew online if more than 60 days has passed since your mechanic license expired (the license expiration date is found in Box 4 of your mechanic license renewal application).

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The fee to become a certified mechanic is $25. An amended certificate will be mailed to you at no cost if you pass additional tests after receiving your certification.

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Yes. If you would have difficulty taking a written test because of special needs, you should contact the Business Licensing Section at 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424). You may be eligible for audio and interpreter assisted tests.

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Yes. You may retake any mechanic tests you did not pass; a person may only take one test per repair category per day. You must pay the $6 test registration fee for each test you retake. However, you are encouraged to study more or enroll in a training program before retaking a test.

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Yes, you must pass a test for each repair category in which you want to be certified. The law does not provide a "grandfather clause." The only way to qualify for state certification is to pass the state test or if you have passed tests administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), you may be eligible to apply for state certification in certain automobile and heavy duty truck categories without further testing. ASE certification alone does NOT qualify you as a state certified mechanic. Contact the Business Licensing Section at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) for further information.

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An individual certified in all of the first eight categories of Automobile and Light Truck Repair is a Master Automobile Mechanic. Similarly, a mechanic certified in all six categories of Heavy-Duty Truck Repair is a Master Heavy-duty Truck Mechanic. Individuals with a certification in Motorcycle are also given a master status. A mechanic certified in seven or fewer of the first eight categories under the automobile and light truck heading, or five or fewer of the six categories under the heavy-duty truck repair heading or in the ‘other' category is considered a Specialty Mechanic.

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If you did not find the information you need, enter a descriptive word or phrase in the Search field located in the upper right corner or send us an e-mail and we will help you get the information you need.

Michigan does not provide or recommend any single textbook or published materials for your review when preparing for the mechanics tests. However, it is recommended that individuals who prefer home study acquire textbooks similar to those found in technical skill centers, and two- or four- year colleges. Typically, these types of textbooks are not found at your local library but are available through educational book stores and various online automotive publishers.

It is suggested that you prepare by reviewing the Mechanic Study Guides. These study guides provide a list of the categories and subcategories that will be on each test. Each category is given a percentage indicating how many of the test questions will be drawn from that category. This allows you to plan your study time and concentrate on those areas that are given the most emphasis on the test.

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If you are an automotive and light truck mechanic certified in Engine Tune-up/Performance, Electrical Systems or Brakes and Braking Systems, you must comply with one of the following requirements for continuing certification. Certificates in the three categories noted are good for five years and must be renewed before their expiration date. All other repair categories are valid for life once issued.

Pass the latest state mechanic certification test, or

Show proof of current and appropriate National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, or

Successfully complete a state-approved training program.

Note: For a listing of state-approved training provider schools, contact Doug Trutzl in the Business Licensing and Regulation Division at: 517-373-4732.

Mechanics certified in these categories must comply with the recertification requirement before their certification expiration date, according to the schedule below:

Mechanic Category

Recertification Year

Ongoing Recertification Renewal

Engine Tune-up/ Performance

2013

2018, 2023, 2028

Electrical Systems

2014

2019, 2024, 2029

Brakes & Braking Systems

2015

2020, 2025, 2030

For example, John Brown's mechanic certificate expires each year on July 16. John last recertified his Engine Tune-up/Performance certificate on July 16, 2008, making his next recertification date July 16, 2013. He last recertified in Electrical Systems July 16, 2009, so he'll have to recertify again in July 16, 2014. He'll have until July 16, 2015 to recertify in Brakes & Braking Systems after meeting the requirements on July 16, 2010.

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